The power forward missed his third consecutive game Friday in Oklahoma City because of tendinitis in both knees. There has been speculation he could return as early as Sunday for L.A.’s home game against the Utah Jazz. The Lakers will then go on a six-day, four-game East Coast road trip.

Pau Gasol injury update/trade rumors: The Lakers forward might be back on the ourt next week. (AP Photo)

Speaking to ESPN's Doris Burke during the game, he tried to dismiss his "day-to-day" status. "You don't recover from knee tendinitis in both knees in a few days," he said.

He added: “I can’t be dragging an injury like this all season long.”

Gasol is rehabbing amid renewed trade speculation. There were reports the Minnesota Timberwolves were pursuing him again. Timberwolves president David Kahn disputed that on Friday, saying that he hasn't had discussions with the Lakers since June.

Burke did not ask Gasol directly about the rumors, but she said after the interview that injured point guard Steve Nash told her that playing with Gasol was a big reason he agreed to join the Lakers in the offseason.

Burke did ask Gasol about the players' frustrations during the Lakers' sub-.500 start to the season. Kobe Bryant, for one, has been publicly critical of Gasol's play.

"We have to understand that it's a process and we've been through so much in the early season," Gasol told Burke. "And, we have to be patient. We have to stick together regardless of what happens at this point in the season, and that we're here for a long run."